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New Covid-19 cluster in S’pore linked to man who was ‘probably reinfected in India’

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - A 43-year-old Indian national who had been discharged from hospital on April 6 after being deemed to be no longer infectious has been identified as a likely case of reinfection. He then infected two others. The two cases he has been linked to are an accountant, 41, and her husband, a 44-year-old restaurant manager at two eateries here. They were reported as community cases on April 16 and April 18 respectively. They are his sister-in-law and her husband. This has prompted the Ministry of Health (MOH) to open a new local cluster around the three cases. The man is here on a work pass and was classified as an imported case when he tested positive for the virus on April 2. He had arrived from India. He was taken to hospital where he was assessed to have previously recovered from the virus based on his high Ct value, which indicated a low viral load, his positive serology test result on April 4, and his negative pre-departure test taken on March 31, said MOH. He was then discharged on April 6 without being required to isolate, as he was deemed to be no longer infectious. On April 17, he was identified as a close contact of his sister-in-law and subsequently tested positive f...

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Boao Forum: Covid-19 has given world a common cause to band together, says President Halimah

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - Covid-19 has given the world a common cause to band together, and underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, said President Halimah Yacob at the Boao Forum for Asia on Tuesday (April 20). She added that over the past year, countries have worked together in innovative ways through mechanisms such as the World Health Organisation-led vaccine initiative, suggesting that multilateral institutions, including the WHO, can also set standards and provide a science-based framework as countries work on reopening their borders. "International cooperation is crucial in surmounting this crisis," she said. She was speaking in a video message at the opening plenary of the annual conference, with a focus on strengthening global governance amid a world in flux. Travel restrictions have prevented many foreign delegates from attending the event held in the Chinese island province of Hainan this year, with many taking part virtually. President Halimah noted that while the global outbreak has led to the loss of lives and livelihoods, and exacerbated existing global divisions as well as the weakening of multilateral forums and institutions, it has also catalysed opportunities fo...

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Post-Covid-19, will work habits change?

elean
5 minutes

(BLOOMBERG) - When Ms Pam Hendrickson went into labour at a New York hospital three decades ago, she still had to take a call to sort out a problem at her work in a bank. Now, the vice-chair of investment firm Riverside expects Covid-19's terrifying toll to finally change the unhealthy work habits of many finance professionals. "The macho-ness definitely will go away," she said. "If you don't feel well - we've always said this, but I think some people haven't taken us seriously - keep your butt at home." The biggest banks see a path to returning to the office in Manhattan, London and financial capitals around the world after a devastating year. Now industry veterans are hoping that Covid-19 brings about lasting change, while welcoming the return of some ancient finance traditions. Mr Dochtor Kennedy looks forward to staring into the eyes of his rivals again. The president of AdvisorLaw represents brokers inside the industry's secretive arbitration system. Like so much else over the past year, his hearings have not been in person. "It's a joke doing it that way - it's terrible," he said. "It feels like you're less immersed in it. You struggle to try to convey the point." The distanc...

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Covid-19 mixed-vaccine regimen requires studies to assess efficacy, safety: Experts

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - Mixing Covid-19 vaccines is possible and could even be beneficial at inciting a more robust immune response to the coronavirus. But experts warn that more studies are needed to ascertain the effectiveness of such a regime, and to determine that doing so will not produce any side effects. The experts were responding to queries from The Straits Times, following news that other countries are considering a mixed-vaccine regimen. Earlier this week, for instance, local media in China reported that the country is considering the mixing of different Covid-19 vaccines for its inoculation programme. The BBC had reported last December that scientists in Britain and Russia were teaming up to trial a combination of the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines to see if protection against Covid-19 could be improved. Dr Zenaida Reynoso Mojares, head of vaccine clinical development at the International Vaccine Institute, told ST that the idea of mixing vaccines is still being discussed and studies are under way, to meet emergency needs and possibly assist in the formulation of public health policies in the future. She added: "Since Covid- 19 vaccines are developed in various platforms...

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S’pore and Hong Kong ‘finalising details’ of air travel bubble, hope to announce plans soon: Ong Ye Kung

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Details of an arrangement to restart all forms of travel between Singapore and Hong Kong without quarantine are being finalised, said Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung on Wednesday (April 14). Mr Ong said the two cities have been actively discussing plans to start the air travel bubble, which was initially slated to take off in November last year. "We are finalising the details of our revised agreement and hope to announce our plans soon," he said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport. The much-delayed travel bubble, which is the first of its kind for both cities, was postponed late last year after a spike in Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong. But talks on belatedly starting the arrangement have progressed as the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong has improved in recent months. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam had said on Tuesday (April 13) that she expects "an early indication of agreement between the two sides" on the travel bubble. She also said that it will be mandatory for travellers from Hong Kong heading to Singapore to be vaccinated, even though this is not a requirement imposed by Singapore. "The basis for discussion with Singapore is that people leavin...

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US stocks mostly shrug off J&J Covid-19 vaccine problem

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3 minutes

NEW YORK (AFP) - Wall Street stocks largely shrugged off signs of rising inflation and the surprise halt to use of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday (April 13), finishing a volatile session mostly higher. The S&P 500 edged to a fresh record, while the Nasdaq jumped more than 1 per cent, even as the Dow pulled back. US health authorities recommended pausing the J&J Covid shot over blood clot fears. The company quickly announced it would delay its European rollout, in a setback for global immunisation campaigns. Shares of airlines and other sectors tied to the economic recovery initially plunged, but later clawed back some of their losses. Delta Air Lines ended down 1.2 per cent while Expedia lost 0.5 per cent. The J&J problem "isn't great news, obviously, but it's nothing people need to go crazy over," said JJ Kinahan of TD Ameritrade. "We had good momentum with vaccinations heading into summer, and this might slow the momentum, but the other two vaccines are still working well." The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.2 per cent to end at 33,677.27, with J&J falling 1.3 per cent. The broad-based S&P 500 gained 0.3 per cent to 4,141.59, topping its record from las...

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Over 7 in 10 cabbies and private-hire drivers receive first dose of Covid-19 vaccine

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - More than seven in 10 cabbies and private-hire car (PHC) drivers here have received their first Covid-19 vaccination dose, with almost half of them having completed both doses. Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung gave an update on the ongoing vaccination exercise in a Facebook post on Saturday morning (April 10), thanking the drivers for volunteering to get vaccinated. "The next time you take a taxi or private-hire car, it is very likely that your driver has been vaccinated against Covid-19," he said. "Thanks to our drivers for stepping up and making taxi and PHC rides safer." Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor also posted on Facebook on Saturday, saying she was encouraged that close to 85 per cent of active taxi and PHC drivers have registered to be vaccinated. She said around 40,000 of the more than 50,000 drivers have received their first dose, and more than 25,000 of them have already taken their second dose. She said: "This will give our drivers additional peace of mind, and better protect themselves, their families and their commuters from Covid-19. "We hope the rest of the drivers who have yet to sign up will step forward soon. Take care and drive safe." ...

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More than 900,000 people have received first dose of Covid-19 vaccine: DPM Heng Swee Keat

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - More than 900,000 people in Singapore have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday (April 2). But Mr Heng also urged vigilance over the Easter weekend and called for people to continue adhering to safe management guidelines. "Last year, Good Friday coincided with the start of the circuit breaker, and there was palpable fear and uncertainty. One year on, we can look ahead with a greater sense of hope and progress," Mr Heng wrote on Facebook. The Covid-19 situation in Singapore is under control, vaccination is under way, and more activities are gradually being resumed, he said, noting that Christian worship services are able to have up to 250 attendees. Live performances are also allowed. From next week, congregants will be able to sing during worship with masks on, he added. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth announced that congregants will be allowed to sing during worship services from April 5, but for only up to 30 minutes and without removing their masks. Good ventilation must be maintained if worshippers are to sing and this can be done through opening of doors and windows, or us...

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50,000 staff in education sector receive Covid-19 vaccination letters; over 80% have made appointments

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - Over 80 per cent of staff in education institutions who have been invited to take the Covid-19 vaccine have made appointments to do so, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong. Close to 50,000 letters were sent out on March 10 in the first batch of invitations, encouraging educators to take their jabs so as to reduce the risk of transmission in the community. The response from the education sector has been very positive, said Mr Wong, noting that some staff have already taken their first jab. "(I'm) very glad to see them step forward, in the spirit of protecting not just themselves, but their students and school community," said Mr Wong in a Facebook post on Thursday (March 25). The vaccination exercise for teachers comes as the Ministry of Health expands the national vaccination programme to personnel who offer essential and front-line services. More than 150,000 teachers and other staff will be offered the Covid-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Education had said earlier this month. The exercise covers those working in primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute, as well as those in special education schools, the Institute of Technical Educati...

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S&P 500 ends at record high after Fed projects stronger economy

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4 minutes

NEW YORK (REUTERS) - The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at record highs on Wednesday (March 17) after the Fed predicted a fast economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and said it would maintain its interest rate at close to zero. In its statement following its two-day policy meeting, the Federal Reserve projected a rapid jump in US economic growth and inflation this year as the Covid-19 crisis winds down, and repeated its pledge to keep its target interest rate near zero for years to come. Wall Street extended gains after Fed chairman Jerome Powell said during a news conference that it is too early to discuss tapering-off measures to support the struggling economy. "The Fed statement today was more optimistic than some expected, they raised their outlook for both economic growth and the labour market. The market's view of the statement is that it was fairly optimistic," said David Carter, chief investment officer at Lenox Wealth Advisors in New York. A US$1.9 trillion (S$2.5 trillion) spending stimulus and the rollout of vaccines have fuelled a rotation into so-called value stocks that are viewed as likely to outperform as the economy recovers from the coro...

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Covid-19 PCR test kits could soon be freeze dried locally

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5 minutes

SINGAPORE - The technique used to preserve food could prove to be a game changer in Singapore's fight against Covid-19 through the development of freeze-dried Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits, which would simplify storage and transportation requirements. Local biotech company BioAcumen Global said the key benefit of lyophilisation, as the technique is called, is that it removes the need for refrigeration currently required for Covid-19 PCR test kits. Freeze-dried kits can be kept at room temperature without any degradation. BioAcumen Global officially opened its new lyophilisation facility on Tuesday (March 16). It has the capacity to freeze-dry 2,400 PCR tests a day and hopes to double this capacity soon. Currently, the lab freeze-dries PCR kits which detect the African swine fever virus. BioAcumen Global also produces about 20,000 "wet" Covid-19 PCR test kits a day, which had obtained approval from the Health Sciences Authority in September 2020. It is currently developing its freeze-dried version of Covid-19 PCR kits. They are expected to be ready in around two months' time. Covid-19 PCR test kits are currently shipped at low temperatures below 0 deg C. However...

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askST: Can I get the Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore if I have allergies or cancer?

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Health (MOH) eased Covid-19 vaccination guidelines last week, paving the way for cancer patients and those with allergies to receive the jabs. Announcing the move in a circular to Singapore medical practitioners last Friday (March 12), MOH said that it follows local and international clinical reports on the safety of mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines. The ministry had previously advised people with multiple allergies to defer receiving mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines, which include the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines approved in Singapore. The Straits Times tackles some of the frequently asked questions about the change. Q: Can I be vaccinated if I have allergies? A: Yes, unless you have a history or risk of anaphylaxis, allergic reactions to other vaccines or certain severe drug reactions. A person with anaphylaxis - a type of life-threatening reaction - will experience at least two of these symptoms: breathing difficulties, dizziness, hives or swelling of the face, eyelid, lip or throat. Those at risk of anaphylaxis include people who have a history of being prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, also known as epi-pen. Those who have had allergic reacti...

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Risky for workers in dorms to mix freely with general population amid Covid-19: PM Lee

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - With Covid-19 still circulating in Singapore, it will be too much of a risk to have migrant workers from dormitories mixing freely with the general population, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. "We are actively working to make sure that their welfare is looked after," Mr Lee said of the workers living in dorms. But, he added: "To have them living in a communal setting like this, and at the same time be able to mingle completely unrestrained with the rest of our population outside of the work setting, is risking going back to where we were." He was speaking in an interview with the BBC broadcast on Sunday (March 14) where he also said the Government was very grateful to the workers for their cooperation in coping with tight constraints during the pandemic. Almost a year after Covid-19 cases surged in foreign worker dorms last April at the peak of Singapore's coronavirus outbreak, migrant workers living in dorms are still not allowed to leave their compounds freely. Asked about this, Mr Lee said about 50 per cent of migrant workers have tested positive in serological tests, indicating they had been infected with Covid-19 in the past. This means half of them are still v...

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Singapore’s Covid-19 vaccination drive brought forward for seniors, extended to teachers, postmen and migrant workers

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Singapore's Covid-19 vaccination drive has been brought forward for all seniors, and will also be extended to more high-risk groups and essential workers including teachers, postmen and migrant workers. This is possible because more supplies of the vaccine have arrived, said the Health Ministry (MOH) on Monday (March 8). As at Sunday, more than 596,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered. In total, about 379,000 individuals in Singapore have received at least the first dose; of whom more than 217,000 have received their second dose, MOH said. The ministry had earlier announced that seniors aged 60 to 69 would get their first dose around the end of March. However, it said on Monday that all seniors in this age group will now get their invitation letters within the next few days. Each letter will have a weblink which can be used to register for vaccination, after which an SMS with a unique booking link will be sent to the senior's mobile phone for them to book a vaccination appointment. Seniors can also book their appointments for vaccination at any community centre or community club. So far, over 55,000 seniors aged 70 and up have received their first do...

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Covid-19 crowd control measures at some sites during Qing Ming festival

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - Crowd control measures to ensure safe distancing will be introduced during Qing Ming, or the Chinese tomb-sweeping festival, with visits to some sites limited to two per household. The festival this year takes place on April 4. The National Environment Agency (NEA) on Friday (March 5) said crowds are expected to peak on Good Friday, which falls on April 2, as well as on the weekends between March 20 and April 18. Those driving to Mandai Columbarium on these days will have to book an appointment, as crowds are expected to be larger this year due to high niche occupancy. Visitors should carpool, the NEA said. Those visiting Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and government-managed columbariums in Choa Chu Kang, Mandai and Yishun are advised to limit the number of visitors to two per household. These columbariums will remain open 24/7 from March 20 to April 18. Visitors are encouraged to go on weekdays. To reduce traffic congestion, visitors can also take shuttle bus services which will be provided. For Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and Columbarium, a shuttle bus service at 15-minute intervals will be provided at $1 per trip between the NEA's claims and registration office at Christian Cemet...

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Parliament: Singapore not expected to move out of phase three any time soon

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Singapore is not expected to move out of phase three of its reopening any time soon, said Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary on Thursday (Feb 25). Phase three is a "new normal" which will last until there is evidence on vaccine effectiveness in preventing future outbreaks, he added. In addition, a substantial proportion of the population must be vaccinated and the rest of the world must have the coronavirus under control. He noted that the coronavirus situation here and around the world remains dynamic. The authorities are awaiting more evidence that the vaccines approved for use here - which have been shown to protect against the virus - will also prevent viral transmission. "We are also closely monitoring their effectiveness against new viral variants," Dr Janil said. "Meanwhile, our best strategy is to continue to be disciplined about safe management measures, and achieve a high level of vaccination within our population to boost our collective immunity." He was responding to Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang), who had asked about Singapore's plans to ease out of phase three, as well as the criteria that must be fulfilled for restrictions to be lifted....

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Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq end at records after solid week

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2 minutes

NEW YORK (AFP) - Major Wall Street stock indices ended at records on Friday (Feb 12), concluding a solid week on expectations for more US stimulus and an economic rebound fueled by coronavirus vaccines. All three major indices finished at all-time highs, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.5 percent to finish at 3,934.83, up 1.2 per cent for the overall week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.1 per cent to 31,458.40, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index also won 0.5 per cent to 14,095.47. Markets meandered through much of the week, but generally drifted higher following mostly good corporate earnings. Much of the economic data has been weaker, but investors view that dynamic as lending further momentum to President Joe Biden's stimulus proposal. "We can see that Biden wants to move forward with his package quickly," said Gregori Volokhine, president of Meeschaert Financial Services. "We can also see more progress on coronavirus vaccines." Among individual equities, Disney dropped 1.8 per cent after reporting strong growth in new subscribers for its streaming service, while its parks and recreation division continued to suffer during Covid-19. Disney reported quarterly profit...

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Seniors across Singapore to start getting vaccinated against Covid-19 from Feb 22: PM Lee

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5 minutes

SINGAPORE - Singapore's Covid-19 vaccination programme will enter its next phase on Feb 22, when seniors across the island start getting their jabs, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (Feb 12). This comes after a month-long pilot, where those aged 70 and above in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar - towns with a higher proportion of elderly residents - began receiving their vaccinations from Jan 27. The multi-ministry task force on Covid-19 will give more details and announce the schedule of these vaccinations, said Mr Lee, who reiterated Singapore's goal to get the country vaccinated by the third quarter or latest by the end of the year - provided no issues crop up. Mr Lee was speaking to reporters at Changi General Hospital after visiting essential workers on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Singapore has placed orders for the vaccines from multiple suppliers to ensure there is enough for everyone here, although there may be some disruptions and delays, noted Mr Lee, who said close to 260,000 people have been vaccinated to date. "I am reasonably confident that we will get the vaccines that we need this year," he said. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said last month that S...

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President Halimah urges Singaporeans to get vaccinated in Chinese New Year message

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - The response to Singapore's Covid-19 vaccination effort has been encouraging but could be better, President Halimah Yacob said as she urged all Singaporeans to get vaccinated against the virus. In a Chinese New Year message on Wednesday (Feb 10), she said Singapore is entering the Year of the Ox with a greater sense of hope and optimism because a Covid-19 vaccine is now available. "However, having the vaccine is only one part of the equation. What is of equal importance is to make sure that everyone is vaccinated," she said. "The response has been encouraging but we can do even better. So please get vaccinated to protect yourselves and your loved ones." Even with a vaccine, it will still be important to continue practising safe distancing, as it will take some time to develop immunity, the President noted. "The faster we resolve this health crisis, the quicker we will recover economically. Everyone has a part to play." Madam Halimah said she understood how difficult it will be to celebrate Chinese New Year with the various restrictions in place this year due to the coronavirus, but added that she hoped Singaporeans will still be able to spend time meaningfully with thei...

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Wet markets around S’pore still crowded days before CNY

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5 minutes

SINGAPORE - Wet markets around Singapore are still seeing huge crowds three days before the start of Chinese New Year. The Straits Times was at the wet markets in Kovan, Chong Pang and Potong Pasir on Tuesday morning (Feb 9) and some customers said they had to queue for more than two hours. Safe distancing measures did not appear to be observed in some queues. When ST visited the Kovan Market and Food Centre at Block 209 Hougang Street 21 at 10am, a queue of about 250 people had formed from the market all the way to Kovan MRT station, about a three-minute's walk away. Customers said they had been queueing for between one and two hours. A customer, who wanted to be known only as Madam S. Koh, 60, had been queueing for about 1½ hours and said this was the first time she had seen such a long queue in more than 50 years. She said: "I'm not surprised, it's quite expected. CNY is coming. I think people are doing last-minute shopping." Ms Sera Ho, 62, who works in a legal firm, said the queue was not so long when she visited the market last Saturday. Ms Ho, who usually spends about an hour to do her shopping but took three hours today, said: "The queue is very long because of safe distanc...